There are many ways to sign up for an insurance plan in this time and age. You can do it via an app, online through the provider’s website, or the conventional way – through an insurance agent.
If you prefer to speak to a person and ask all the questions before signing up, than you will most likely apply using an insurance agent.
It’s also way more convenient as you don’t have to spend hours crunching through jargon, and wondering what documents and information are the right ones needed. It’s just easier to provide all the details to a professional to do all the work for you.
If you’re still not sure what your insurance agent should do for you, here is a basic outline:
1. Answer all your questions
If you are meeting with an insurance agent for the first time ever, you may not know what to expect or what to ask. The insurance agent should be able to give you a brief idea of how insurance works and why you need it. He or she should also explain all the different types of insurance plans available and suggest one that best suits your needs and lifestyle.
Aside from that, the insurance agent should be able to answer any questions you may have about the policy you’re about to sign, without being vague or uncertain (or worse). Ask as many questions as you want, because your time and money is going into this.
You spend weeks researching cars to buy, so there’s no reason to skip out on doing your insurance homework..
2. Provide honest quotes
After collecting all the information needed, your insurance agent will proceed to draw out a plan for you. They will then come up with a couple of different plans and quotations that best match your lifestyle and budget. They should also be able to clearly explain to you why you’re paying a particular amount, what it does, whether it’s effective outside of the country, and if there are any additional coverage options for you to consider.
If at any point you feel like your agent is making you pay more than you can afford or is being dishonest, tell them you need more time to think and get a second opinion from someone you trust and is also well-versed in insurance matters. You should always feel safe and be able to completely trust your insurance agent.
3. Regular check-ins
Your insurance may be very consistent at following up and keeping in touch before you sign up for insurance. What’s important is that they continue to follow up even after you put your signature on the dotted line.
Your agent should check in with you at least once or twice a year to make sure all your personal information is up-to-date, and check to see if your requirements have changed. For instance, maybe you got married and want to consider prenatal insurance; or perhaps you moved into a new house and want to make sure your property is insured against fires or a break-in. These circumstances may require an add-on or a different policy to help you stay covered in the case of unexpected events or emergencies.
4. Be available when you need them
This is the most crucial thing that your insurance agent must be able to do for you. They should be able to provide directions on what to do if you need to get admitted into a hospital and your medical card has gone missing; or in the case that you have a traffic accident and need to file a claim.
They should always respond to all your queries in a timely manner with a concise explanation – without making you feel confused or overwhelmed.
The first step to finding the right insurance plan for yourself is by getting the right insurance agent. Finding one that is trustworthy and reliable can save you a lot of trouble in the future.
